The event, organised by Arts in Merkinch, is now in its third year and aims to offer a varied programme for people of all ages.

Central to the festival is an exhibition of art, photography and craft which opens today at the former Motorbike Workshop in Grant Street.

It features work by respected craftspeople such as fabric artist Ruth Black and pictures by well-known Inverness painters plus work by members of the Merkinch Art Group and pupils from Merkinch Primary.

The Corbett Centre Studi'03 artists are also contributing as are members of Inverness Camera Club.

The exhibition will be open every afternoon, except Monday, until 16th July and also has morning and evening openings. Several art, fabric art and pottery workshops for both children and adults will be run in conjunction with the exhibition.

Today's other curtain-raising event is a Bands Night at Merkinch Community Centre with The Now and Blind Check heading the bill, plus support.

In preparation for the festival, three murals have been created at the Corbett Centre, the Janny's House and the senior youth club as part of a Colourful Corners project. These will be displayed either in the gallery or nearby.

Other highlights include performances by Scottish stand-up comedian Phil Kay and children's magician Tricky Ricky, plus dance workshops.

Over 16s may be tempted by a henna painting workshop while film buffs can enjoy a night of locally-made film and TV shows.

A theatre ship event planned for the last two nights has been cancelled following difficulties over safety issues and bad weather.

Bette McArdle, chairman of Arts in Merkinch, said they tried to vary the programme from year to year - a caricaturist, for example, had proved very popular at last year's festival. The event also had spin-off benefits for the area.

"Because of the interest generated by the exhibition at the gallery, it has resulted in a very successful art group being set up which meets weekly in the Merkinch Community Centre," she said.

"There is also a writers' group. People realise they get a sense of achievement for doing something artistic. There is that feel-good factor."

* Those wishing to take part in the workshops should book in advance as places are limited. Ring Merkinch Enterprise on 240085 for both tickets and bookings.

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